2025 Worlds Preview: Sweden
Sweden’s youth-fueled roster and battle-tested core make them one of the most intriguing dark horses at this year’s Women’s World Championship.
The Damkronorna are heading to Czechia with renewed hunger and a young roster that’s ready to take the next step. After a mixed but promising showing in 2024, Sweden is looking to shake up the bracket in Group B and show that they’re more than just a bubble team: they’re contenders on the rise. Here’s everything you need to know about the Damkronorna heading into Worlds.
2024 Recap
Sweden’s 2024 Women’s Worlds campaign started strong in the group stage with convincing wins over Denmark (3–1), China (8–1), and Japan (6–2). But a frustrating 1–0 loss to Germany cost them the top spot in Group B, and as a result, they faced off against Canada in the quarterfinals.
Though they were outshot and outmatched at times, Sweden held their own against the eventual gold medalists, falling 5–1 in a game that was closer than the score suggested. They finished 7th overall, but with a 3–2-0 record and a +8 goal differential, it was clear this team was trending in the right direction.
Germany took the Group B crown, but Sweden proved they’re right on their heels and hungry to reclaim that top spot in 2025.
2025 Roster
The 2025 roster was announced on March 25th, 2025.
Player to Watch: Lina Ljungblom
When it comes to driving Sweden’s offense, all eyes are on Lina Ljungblom, and for good reason. The 23-year-old forward has been a consistent force for the Damkronorna over the past few years, and she enters the 2025 Women’s Worlds as the heartbeat of this young, fast-paced Swedish roster.
Ljungblom’s game blends physicality, playmaking, and relentless energy. She isn’t afraid to take the puck to the net, battle along the boards, or throw her weight around when needed. After spending the majority of her early career in the SDHL, Ljungblom joined the Montréal Victoire this season, bringing her trademark tenacity to the PWHL.
Her offensive track record speaks for itself:
- In 2023–24 with MoDo Hockey, she put up a career-high 46 points (23G, 23A) in 36 regular season games and added 10 points in 10 playoff games.
- In 2022–23, she tallied 30 points in 32 games and 4 more in the postseason.
- Over her last three SDHL seasons, she produced 108 points in 98 regular season games.
On the international stage, Ljungblom has continued to elevate her game:
- At the 2022 Women’s Worlds, she led Sweden with 10 points (7G, 3A) in 7 games.
- She’s totaled 13 points in her last 15 World Championship games.
- Most recently, she added 5 points in 6 international games this season leading into Worlds.
Ljungblom has the skill to take over a game, and the swagger to do it when it matters most. Whether Sweden is looking for a spark, a goal, or a tone-setting shift, she’ll be at the center of it. If Sweden is going to make a deep run in Czechia, it’ll almost certainly go through No. 25.
Storyline to Watch: Youth Movement in Full Swing
One of the biggest themes around this team is youth. Here are just some of the skilled younger players that might help make an impact:
- Hilda Svensson (F, 2006) and Mira Hallin (F, 2006) are coming off standout U18 performances and now join the senior team full-time.
- Jenna Raunio (D, 2006) is the youngest defender on the roster, but her poise and puck-moving ability already look pro-ready.
- Mira Jungåker (D, 2005) is also a name to circle—now playing NCAA hockey with Ohio State, she brings a scoring threat to the back end.
The next wave of Damkronorna is already here, and the federation is clearly building toward long-term success. But the future is now, and this group could be dangerous even before they hit their prime.
Prediction
Sweden is in a strong position to win Group B and rejoin the top flight in 2026. With a deep, quick, and fearless roster, a 5th place finish feels like the baseline, but if things break right in the quarterfinals, they could push into the final four.
This isn’t the Sweden of five years ago. This team is confident, cohesive, and committed to building something special. Whether they break through this year or next, their time is coming, and fast.
Sweden’s Preliminary Round Schedule
| Date | Time (EST) | Matchup | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 9 | 5:00 AM | 🇸🇪 Sweden vs. Germany 🇩🇪 | Budvar Arena, České Budějovice |
| April 10 | 9:00 AM | 🇸🇪 Sweden vs. Hungary 🇭🇺 | Budvar Arena, České Budějovice |
| April 13 | 9:00 AM | 🇯🇵 Japan vs. Sweden 🇸🇪 | Budvar Arena, České Budějovice |
| April 15 | 5:00 AM | 🇳🇴 Norway vs. Sweden 🇸🇪 | Budvar Arena, České Budějovice |
Sweden will have that April 9 match against Germany circled—it’s a rematch of last year’s group-deciding loss and a chance to immediately assert dominance in Group B. If they can go undefeated in the group, they’ll earn a more favorable quarterfinal draw, perhaps against Switzerland or Czechia.
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